Hollywood actor Idris Elba has said his dad didn't want him to be an actor but instead wanted him to continue his original dream to be a DJ.

The 'Dark Tower' star's "first love" was music and his dad felt his original dream to be a DJ would be a more steady source of income than having to audition for parts.

He recalled: "I was inspired [to act] by Robert De Niro after skipping school one afternoon when I was 16 to go and see 'Once Upon a Time in America'.

"My acting teacher in school told me that one day I'd be a great actor.

"My father wasn't that happy. He was worried that I'd starve and he told me to keep working as a DJ so I could earn a living. But my mother supported me."

However, the 44-year-old star's mum wasn't so keen when he decided to take up professional kickboxing in 2015 - which was documented in TV show 'Idris Elba: Fighter' - and she left him embarrassed with her ringside talk.

He said: "My mum hated the idea and she was worried about me getting hurt.

"When I had my fight, I got knocked down in the third round. My mother, who was watching asked me whether I needed my inhaler and told me to stop letting my opponent kick me in the head. I told her, 'Mum, please be quiet.' "

Idris enjoyed the experience but was concerned about suffering injuries to his face as it could affect his career.

He said: "The one big concern I had was avoiding getting hit in the face - I got punched in the nose a few times, which worried me.

"The kind of workout you do as a fighter is the ultimate test you can put yourself through."